Oweisat, 53, died last week under disputed circumstances while being treated at the Assaf Harofeh hospital in Israel. Palestinian groups claimed he was medically neglected, leading to his death.

Israel’s Channel Two reported that the Shin Bet, Israe’ls internal intelligence agency, and Israeli Prison Service (IPS) opposed the minister’s decision in fear that it would cause “a Palestinian protesting wave,” especially in Ramadan.

According to Israeli media, Erdan said that the goal of the decision “is to pressure Hamas to return the bodies of killed Israeli soldiers in Gaza.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to make the final decision in the case.